Tip to Get Your Home Ready for Spring & Summer

It's that time of the year folks! 

Get ready to do some spring cleaning!

As the warmer temperatures rise, there’s no time like the present to get started on your summer home maintenance projects. Here is a compiled list of tasks to do so you can enjoy your home, while the weather is warm.

Outdoor Home Maintenance

1.  Beautify Your Yard

Lets get that yard looking fresh - from the grass to the trees! Start by removing all dead parts from trees or plants and doing some weeding. Laying mulch in your flower beds will help keep weeds away and let your plants retain moisture. Trim away overgrown hedges and trees. Keeping the branches of large trees at least 7 feet away from the exterior of your home will prolong the life of your roof and siding.  This is also a great time to get your home and backyard ready for summer cookouts and pool parties with some new landscaping. 

2.  Stage Outdoor Furniture

Ditch the rusty old hand-me-down chairs and check out your local home goods store for some simple furniture to create a comfortable outdoor space you’ll want to spend time in. (photo credit to Forbes Home)

3.  Prep Your Grill for Backyard BBQs

Clean and test your grill to make sure it’s ready for hamburger and hot dog season. If you have a gas grill, heat it up for about 20-30 minutes and then scrub the grates clean with a grill brush. For a charcoal grill, grab a bucket of hot, soapy water and clean with a sponge.

To ensure proper grill safety, check hoses for cracks, holes and blockages. Don’t forget to place your grill 10 feet or more away from any structures, railings or other flammable items before firing it up

4.  Wash Windows and Replace Window Screens

Washing your exterior windows won’t make much of a difference if you don’t wash your window screens, too. Remove your window screens and gently scrub them with hot, soapy water. If your screens are too filthy to be cleaned, you may want to replace them.

While you’re spending time examining your screens, you should also examine your windows and doors to ensure they seal tightly and function properly to conserve the cool air from your air conditioning. If your home isn’t equipped with central air, check out our tips for cooling your home without it.

5.  Repair and Reseal Woodwork

Wood decks, fences, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. Inspect your deck for any warped, loose or splintered boards. Take this opportunity to make any needed repairs to woodwork around the outside of your house as well. Look for signs of termites, and determine if you can treat it yourself or if you’ll need to call a professional pest control service. (photo credit HGTV)

6.  Freshen Up Your Paint

Walk around the exterior of your house to look for chipped or cracked paint. When wood is exposed, it will begin to rot. This could be the perfect time to update the color of your house and add some curb appeal.

7.  Test Outdoor Faucets, Sprinklers and Hoses

Make sure all outdoor water suppliers such as pipes, faucets and irrigation systems are working correctly. Check your hose to make sure there are no holes. Confirm none of your sprinkler heads are aimed toward your house or windows and that parts of your yard aren’t collecting too much water.

8.  Inspect Roof

It’s easy to forget about your roof, but it needs a thorough maintenance inspection at least once a year. Since it is your home’s primary defense against the elements, make sure your spring home project list includes giving the roof some TLC. If you’re hesitant to climb into the roof yourself, use binoculars to see if you can spot any initial damage or missing or loose shingles. If you notice areas in need of repair but aren’t comfortable DIY-ing the job, hire a professional.

Pro Tip: When shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof.

9. Power Wash Your Driveway and Sidewalks

A great place to start with summer home maintenance is to thoroughly inspect and clean your sidewalks, deck, patio and driveway. The key to cleaning these areas is to use a pressure washer. Before you start power washing, it’s a good idea to check these areas for any cracks and weeds. Once you have given everything a full inspection, wash away all the dirt, mold and grime that’s built up over the past year.

You can check with your local home improvement store about renting a pressure washer for about $40 a day if you don’t own one.

10. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Shane McDonough, Director of Marketing at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning, knows that one tough and tedious task you’ll need to check off your summer home care list is cleaning the exterior of your home – specifically your roof, gutters and downspouts.

“From stains to moss to bacteria, dingy roofs, siding and decks not only look poorly from the curb, but can also contribute to an array of other household problems and even shorten the lifespan of your home. While pressure washing can damage your home and lead to expensive repairs, soft washing is a safe, eco-friendly, biodegradable option that can boost curb appeal, increase energy savings and extend the lifespan of your home.”
Shane McDonough | Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning

Soft washing is recommended for items such as screens, outdoor wood furniture, cedar, wood or vinyl siding. You can use your same pressure washer, just replace the tip with a nozzle that widens the spray of water so it’s modified to a lower PSI (pressure per square inch).